ADVOCACY

SCALA is committed to ensuring that assisted living’s voice is heard at the SC State House and by state regulators.

SCALA monitors and aggressively advocates to protect and promote the interest of assisted living in South Carolina through legislative initiatives. During the recent Legislative Session, SCALA worked with key legislators and regulatory agencies to ensure enactment of membership priorities. SCALA maintains a very positive relationship with DHEC, DHHS, The Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging and other agencies. Our association has great credibility in the industry and has been in existence for many years. The Executive Director and other Board Members sit on a number of committees related to the senior care industry. SCALA and its members always have a seat at the table when key policy decisions are being made.

During the 122nd Legislative Session, SCALA also provided input and impacted other legislation that will affect assisted living communities. During the 2018 123rd legislative session SCALA will monitor the Proposed Regulatory Language to address Elopement/Wandering Issues and will continue to monitor the movement of other bills of interest to our senior care industry:

You may read the entire bill by clicking on the bill number.

H.3085 would set the minimum wage in the state to the greater value of either $10.10 or the minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

H.3115 seeks to require the Department of Health and Human Services to explore options that reform the Medicaid program to include expanding eligibility.

H.3118 would increase the minimum number of staff that provides nursing care required during all shifts. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

H.3119 establishes requirement addressing physical examinations performed before admission to a nursing home. Â This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

H.3120 relates specifically to Community Residential Care Facilities and addresses minimum staff-resident ratio requirements Facilities, mandatory training of staff and volunteers, written assessments upon admission, individual care plans, resident enrollment in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program as appropriate. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

H.3132 establishes requirements pertaining to the registration of multiple office locations of licensed hospices and requires DHEC to approve applications for registration of multiple office locations and for expansion of hospice service areas.Â This bill was adopted by the House in March and sent to the Senate.

H.3443 would make an adult 65 or younger whose income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty limit eligible for Medicaid. A Bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

H.3483 provides that a person that unlawfully injures a health care professional during the course of his duties and the injuring person knows or has reason to know of the injured person’s status commits the offense of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

H.3521 authorizes the medical use of cannabis by certain individuals with certain diseases and medical conditions and authorizes certain individuals to act as designated caregivers in or to assist qualifying patients with the medical use of cannabis. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

H.3617 would move the Client Assistance Program from the Department of Administration to Protection and Advocacy. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

S.59 provides for up to a $1,200 tax credit for individuals serving as a caregiver for someone 65 and older. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

S.66 stipulates that the General Assembly shall not increase or implement a fine or penalty in the general appropriations bill and must only do so by separate act and provides that a state agency must not increase or implement a fine or fee by regulation or administrative action (with exceptions).Â This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

S.142calls for a statewide referendum to increase the minimum wage to $1 above the federal standard. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

S.188 establishes the Minimum Wage Act and sets the minimum wage at an hourly rate of one dollar above the federal minimum wage. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

S.243 increases the amount of an emergency refill from a 72-hour supply to a 30-day supply. This bill was introduced but has not moved forward.

Grass Roots Development

Having people at the Capitol informed about assisted living issues gives us an edge during the legislative session. Getting legislators and their staff out to your SCALA communities helps them understand the incredible work that assisted living providers are doing and understand the challenges you face.

Please contact SCALA if you would like to host a legislator for a tour or invite them to an event at your community.

Legislative Committee Members

Updated List Coming Soon

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MISSION STATEMENT

The South Carolina Assisted Living Association will continue to lead the development in all areas of residential care and services through providing quality representation and services to consumers & member providers via education, public awareness, vendor participation and legislation.